SHEPRETH PARISH COUNCIL ANNUAL MEETING.

       Minutes of the meeting held on April 23rd.

                                                DRAFT.

Present:                Cyril Kenzie (Chairman). John Smith, Sue Smith, John Gibbons, Harry Piggot,

                                Liz Parrett, Jenny Ravenhill, Jill Benson (Clerk).

                                Mary Chapple (County Councillor). David Porter (District Councillor).

Apologies:                None.

12 members of the public.

Minutes of the last meeting: Approved and signed.

Chairman’s Report:

Mr.Kenzie explained that since the last Annual Parish Meeting  there had been a few changes and that, IanCook, Brian Farmer and Andrew Fowler have resigned. Thanks to those who have given so generously of their time and effort over the past few years were passed on. Kate Flint also resigned recently as Clerk and a special thank you  to her for all the hard work and advice.  Thanks also to Andrew Fowler who is now our Tree Warden.

                PLANNING.

Throughout the past year we have received 36 planning applications. The parish council has supported 29 of these. This figure does not include the village referendum concerning the proposal for affordable housing in Blenheim Close.                                   

Country Homes and Gardens.

It was pointed out that this has kept the council busy with planning applications during the past year. Thankfully at last these appear to be sorting themselves out.

                REPAIR OF CAR PARK.

A temporary surface has now been laid and things are beginning to move with regard to a permanent repair. S.C.D.C. has visited the site and various grants are being looked in to.

                ROAD SAFETY.

We are still experiencing problems with speeding traffic and at present we are pursuing other means of calming devices with Frog End a priority.

                GOLDEN JUBILEE.

The celebrations went extremely well with lots of village participation. A donation was given towards a new toilet for the church. Jubilee mugs were donated to all children under 16. (There are still a few left which are available for any Shepreth children born during the year) Thanks to all the Golden Jubilee Committee for their exceptional hard work. Mr Kenzie said it was probably one of the best events ever held in Shepreth during his time.

The Chairman outlined the following completed issues during the year:

Barrington/Shepreth Footway.

Youth Shelter on Recreation Ground.

Trees & hedging planted on Meldreth Road and the Recreation Ground. We have accepted Mr. Goodwin’s quote for grass cutting throughout the village.

Seat installed on playing field near the old school.

Work on some footpaths.

Shepreth entered the Village of the Year Competition and was highly commended in the Business Category. The certificate is to be placed under the clock in the village hall..      

Report of District Councillor:     

Mr. Porter began by outlining the past year’s activities and explained that the reforming of districts will be taking place and that Shepreth will now be linked with Meldreth. He praised the work of Parish Councillors and Clerks and expressed a wish that more interest is shown by the

community. He also explained that he sometimes found the work of a District Councillor frustrating with limited powers  but went on to express his thanks to the Council Leader, Mrs. Daphne Spinks.

Mr. Porter informed that the Cambridge Sub-Region housing department would be conducting a survey to assess future housing needs in the area and stressed the importance of completing the form, should villagers receive one.  He advised that Wheelie bins should be available in the area from September and information should be received shortly.  He hoped that pressure would be kept up to produce a village plan and that Shepreth commu nity would become involved. Lastly he thanked everyone for their help during his recent ill health.

REPORT OF COUNTY CONCILLOR.

Mary Chapple, County Councillor gave a full and detailed report and commenced by listing the many panel and committees on which she serves. Major issues throughout the year have included Flooding which continues to cause problems in the area. The main factor being the exceptionally heavy rainfall experienced during January which possibly caused silt to run off the wet land. Mrs. Chapple ensures that the flooding issue is continually discussed at meetings during the year.

The speed of traffic in villages  is also an area of concern despite large amounts of money spent on accident prevention and traffic calming devices. The two Shepreth exits on the A.10 causing special concern. Thanks were given to all who provided for the youth in the community, especially to Paul Feasey the Youth Officer. Clerks in the area were also thanked.

BARRINGTON SCHOOL REPORT.

1. The school had 124 pupils on roll at the beginning of the Spring Jan 03  term, a slight decrease over the previous year. The numbers currently in individual classes are:

 

Class 5 (Year 6) 23 children

Class 4 (Years 5 & 4) 25 children

Class 3 (Year 3) 25 children

 Class 2 (Years 2 & 1) 27 children

 Class 1 (Year 1, Reception) 24 children

 

2. Employment of part time teaching staff has enabled children to be taught in individual year groups for literacy and numeracy.

3. Building work on the new school hall started in autumn 2002. The new building will provide a significant improvement in accommodation. Additional building to reinstate offices and other facilities dropped from the original design will be taking place soon.

4. The school received an Ofsted inspection in September 2002. The report speaks highly of the school and its staff, and notes continued improvement following the previous inspection inl998. As well as commenting on academic achievements, the present report notes the strength of community within the school, and the integration of the school with the local villages.

5. The school continues further to develop curriculum areas, especially in the light of revised National Curriculum requirements. The School Development Plan has been updated, and is linked specifically to the timetables for developing specific subject areas. An action plan has been prepared in response to the Ofsted inspection report

6. Test results at Key Stage 2 in summer 2001 showed that Barrington had performed well with 77% of pupils achieving level 4 or better. Results for Key Stage 1 were also good, with 83 % exceeding Level 2 .

7. Children have taken part in several outside activities and visits. Class 5 spent three days on a residential course at BurwelL taking part in numerous activities. Classes held open assemblies, which were well-attended by parents. Children took part in services in Barrington and Shepreth churches.

8. Parents have continued to provide strong support for the school, especially through various fund-raising activities by Friends of Barrington School (FOBS). In addition, parents have helped with several aspects of school life, including providing additional support in class, assisting with out of school activities, and helping with small maintenance tasks.

9. The school has been grateful for additional financial support during the year. Funds from FOBS have provided extra resources for the school, including provision of wallbars for the new hall.

10. The School Governors have had a full year, including their part in the Ofsted inspection, the implementation of Performance Management, and involvement in the new building specification.

 

 

BOWLS  CLUB REPORT.

The Club has had a successful year, finishing in the middle of the league and very much looking forward to the coming year which will be their 20th.   The ¼ finals were reached in the Cornhill Club.

CAPS (Commu nity Action Plan for Shepreth).

 No report at present. Mr. Price explained that at the present time due to a shortage of interested persons this project was `on hold’  but was hopefull for the future.

COMMUNITY CAR SCHEME.

The Community Car Scheme was also suffering as a result of a general lack of helpers. Meldreth has  recently lost a driver and the situation is made worse by Addenbrookes frequently outsourcing appointments to Ely and Newmarket.

SHEPRETH CRICKET CLUB/JUNIOR CRICKET CLUB.

Mr. Price read the report for Mr. White, who has now moved to Cambourne and offered his apologies. The Cricket Club will again share facilities with Hardwick and the opening game, on May 3rd will be a home game at Hardwick. Indoor practice continues at Hills Road and has attracted some new faces, however new members are always welcome !  The club plans to visit Barbados in Spring 2004 to coincide with the England Test Match.

Mr. Malcolm Price reported that the Junior Cricket Club had enjoyed the season and played some good games  despite finishing bottom of the league. He reported that Andrew Flint had now moved away from the village and more support was now required. He also commented that suggestions had been made that momentum would be better maintained if senior cricket could be played within the village.

FRIENDS OF THE RIVER SHEP.

Liz Kendrick reported that last year the group continued with its work to protect and enhance the river. The insurance bill to cover accidents to volunteers had tripled and only  the support of the School Trust made it possible to use  work parties.

An electro fishing survey was commissioned for sections of the river. At least 13 different species were caught. The species' diversity was greatest below Delahays Mill. The most significant fish caught was the brook lamprey. Predators such as the otter, heron and mink had an equally successful year

It was explained that the river had become extremely choked with weeds in the Delahayes Mill area and that if the vegetation were not removed it was possible a marsh would form across the river.

 South Cambs District Councilhad finally desilted the mill pool this month. The National Lottery provided a grant to improve the wild flower meadow in Docwras field.  The money  had been spent on nettle spraying by a professional contractor and on seeds for suitable grasses and wild flowers

The Parish Council were informed that Friends of the River Shep had starred in the South Carobs Newsletter;  volunteers improved three sections of river and maintained the autumn reed cut.

Members’  enjoyed a Guided Walk of the RSPB reserve, a pond- dipping evening and a fish supper .

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL.

Mrs. Mary Price gave a full and detailed account of the Church’s activities during the past year, commencing with the Reverend Christopher Strong being licensed as Rector of the United Benefice of Fowlmere, Foxton, Shepreth and Thriplow on 30th April 2002 and mentioned that Mrs. Brightwell retired as a Reader in April 2002. Grateful thanks were to be passed on to Mrs. Brightwell who had been a Reader for the past 16 years. Mrs. Price also mentioned that she had started ordination training with the East Anglian Ministerial Training Course. The following is a brief outline of other points covered in the report:

An Easter Celebration of drama, music and readings had taken place; the PCC thanking Mrs. Pam Norman and everyone who had taken part.

 Thanks also to the visiting Clergy who took Communion and Baptism services during the vacancy and to Mr. John Gibbons  for arranging these services.Thanks to Shepreth’s organist Mr. Stephen Homent.

The four parishes had shared in Songs Of Praise. Carol singing around the village at Christmas time had been enjoyed by everyone. Special thanks to Mr. And Mrs. Clutterbuck for their

 

organization of this event. The sad death of  Mrs. Shiela Lee, in May last year was mourned by many. Mrs Lee had served the Church in many ways over many years and she is greatly missed.

Much of  the work on the Church and church yard had been completed. The Golden Jubilee weekend’s fund raising had been specially designated for providing a toilet and other facilities; further fund raising and planning would be necessary before this could be done.  Other fund raising activities had taken place throughout the year and special thanks are due to Mrs. Wilson as fund raising co-ordinator.

Mrs. Price stressed the importance of the Newsletter and praised the efforts of the editor, Mrs. Barbara Clutterbuck.

SCHOOL TRUST.

Mr. Holway (Chairman of the Trustees) reported that during the past year grants totalling £2,544

Have been agreed. £1,000 of which was made to Barrington School to cover the cost of music lessons. The Trustees, who meet four times a year consider applications to help meet the cost of educational, vocational or recreational activities, whether for individual or group needs. Applications are considered in strict confidence and judged on their merits in the light of funds available at the time. Applications shoud be made to the Secretary to the Trustees, Mrs. Jenifer Rowson, 12, Docwra’s Close. Shepreth.  

SHEPRETH RELIEF IN NEED CHARITY.

Mr. Bob Brashaw reported that the new Ex Officio Trustee is the Reverend Christopher Strong and went on to explain that The Shepreth Relief in Need Charity is to be used for the benefit of those in need within Shepreth. The end of year statement is as follows:

End of year bank balance £624.00 (this mainly as a result of major fence repairs amounting to £3329.00). Grants during the year had amounted to £2005.00 and Investments stand at £29143.00.  

VILLAGE HALL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.

Mr. Price reported that the hall continues to be well used both weekdays, weekends and evenings. Improvements during the year had covered the provision of a disabled access ramp, a replacement entrance door and windows at the front of the building. A lottery grant and hall funds had made this possible. Hopefully the coming year would see further improvements which would include a toilet for the disabled. Thanks were given to all who support the use of the hall, maintain and clean the hall and those who give financial help to the hall.

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE.

Mrs. Ann Brashaw spoke of the past year’s events and explained that Shepreth W.I. continues to attract members from neighbouring villages to its monthly meetings which are usually varied and interesting. Activities had included an escorted walk around Ashwell (the small village museum of special interest), the organization of the village Litter Pick, and the maintenance of the Village Hall Garden. The main undertaking of the year was catering for the Jubilee lunch which was very well attended.

SHEPRETH YOUTH CLUB.

Mr. Price read Mr. Rockett’s report who had sent his apologies to the meeting

The Youth club is still in need of help. Despite the offer to pay for assistance, help is still needed.

The youth Club has been running again since the winter. The Criminal Records Check, backlog caused a considerable delay and checks are now necessary on all helpers.

At present the Youth Club is available on two evenings per week. Thursday evenings from 6.30 to 8.00pm for primary school children, aged 8 upwards and Friday evening from 7.00 to 8.30pm for secondary school children up to the age of 15.

 The average attendance is approximately 30. The cost is 50p per session. This covers the cost of drinks and any excess is placed in a post office savings account for the purchase of equipment.

 

 

PRECEPT AND FINANCE.

The clerk read a brief report and presented the Receipts and Payments statement. (Attached).

The following cheques were presented for payment. Proposed by Sue Smith and seconded by Liz Parrett.

 

Jewson                                  £   6.20.                                                (Rawlplug)

Environment Agency                £ 25.00                                                (Water Abstraction Charge)

Martin Ives                           £352.50                              (Re-level of car park)

Allianz Cornhill                £828.60                                              (Annual Insurance)

 

ANY OTHER BUSINESS.

Mr. Kenzie thanked the Women’s Institute for their hard work in the Litter Pick.

 

It was mentioned that the Horticultural Show did not take place last year, however it was very much hoped that it would do so this year. Meeting to be held on September 20th.

 

The parish Council were asked whether a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme was in operation and replied that this was not so at present. County Councillor Chapple suggested that the local police should be invited along to a Parish Council meeting to discuss this.

 

 

The meeting closed at 9.05pm.